Monday, March 23, 2009

MAGNIFICENT MARVELOUS MARCH

Okay so this all really started the last day of Feb. but I am counting it as March. So James came home from Afghanistan!!! He is home for good. What a spectacular day it was. Erin was so excited she couldn't stand/sit still. I was pretty happy to see him too!!!



















Along with him was my brother, my brother-in-law and his brother that all came home so there was a big crowd of us. Afterward we all went out to eat at the Cracker Barrel to celebrate.

When we came home we had a big surprise. I wish I could give what happened her justice but it was so wonderful I don't believe I can.


As we began our decent into the neighborhood we noticed signs like this and tons of yellow ribbons lining the street. The closer we got the more there was. As we got closer we noticed flags in every one's yard. We then turned onto our street and there were more flags, balloons and yellow ribbons then you can imagine. But even more than that there was tons of people clapping and waving and giving James the welcome home he deserved. I had no idea any of this was going to happen. It was wonderful and beautiful and I wish I could show how much gratitude I have in my heart for these wonderful people.


























As if all this isn't wonderful enough James and I decided to run away to Hawaii for a week without the girls. It was absolutely beautiful and wonderful. I loved it so much we saw and did so many magnificent things.


I know this is hard to see enlarge it if you can, but we saw Humpback Whales! I know awesome.







The fresh air was wonderful.








My favorite thing was the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was so fun. I learned so much and saw and did so much. James decided to jump out of his shell and have the time of his life. He tried to make fire by rubbing sticks together. He "learned" to dance and he played the drums. For the rest of our vacation he was famous. People would stop us wherever we went remembering James playing the drums.










The night show was superb. The fire dancing was our favorite.










We visited the Dole Plantation and I fell in love with how little these pineapples were. I just couldn't believe it. We also had some pineapple ice cream there and it was delightful.










Of coarse we visited the USS Arizona. It was very sombering and wonderful. You really would have to visit to get the feel for the place, it just felt sacred.
Our last favorite highlight was snorkeling in Haunama Bay. This was awesome. So many fish and we saw some sea turtles like 3 feet away from us. We liked it so much we went back again.

This month has been so wonderful. I am so grateful that James is home. Lily is already a Daddy's girl and prefers him over me. Erin can hardly leave him alone. And I am just so happy to have him with me. I can feel my sanity coming back.

6 comments:

Andrea said...

Wow, what an experience! I bet it went by so fast. I am so glad that James is home. I'll see you wednesday, lets get some gals together and do lunch.

Britt said...

I was so touched I almost cried reading your blog! I am SO HAPPY for your family. (I'm sure not as happy as you) :) Oh, and Hawaii! What great fun. I love all the photos. Thanks for posting this!

McKenzie said...

YEA!!!! I'm so glad you're all back safely! You are all so wonderful. Thank you for all your services & sacrifice. All of you!

Bonnie said...

I can't find a word that says it all, Liz! I am just so hap-hap-happy for you all, and also grateful for your families, and those friends and neighbors who gave James such a royal welcome!!!!!!!!!!!! Haha, just trying to outdo your mom with all her !!!!!!!s she's known for!

Rosander said...

Huge thanks to James and all of those that serve our country. You deserved a great vacation! What a great Mom and wife you are to have done all that you have and with such a great attitude! I love you!

Jocelyn said...

OH HAPPY DAY! what a great feeling to have your hubby home safe and sound! My Mom is always telling me about how the kids at Westmore always come out to the fence to welcome home someone's father, brother etc. It is so great to see how everyone is there to support and welcome our troops home. They deserve our deepest thanks of graditude for the time they spend away from their families to fight for our freedom. All my love to you and your family!